Aidan McLindon has backtracked on his decision not to stand aside as Whittlesea mayor while he contests a state by-election in the western suburbs.
Last week, Cr McLindon told Star Weekly he was confident he could carry out his responsibilities as mayor while contesting the Werribee by-election.
He said there was no legal requirement for him to take leave from council and no council meeting until after the February 8 by-election.
“People who know me on council know that I work from sun up to sun down,” he said at the time.
“I will meet all the responsibilities of my role and go to all council briefings.”
But in a statement posted to Whittlesea council’s Facebook stories on Wednesday, January 22, chief executive Craig Lloyd advised Cr McLindon was now taking personal leave.
“I have been advised by the mayor of the City of Whittlesea, Cr Aidan McLindon, of his intention to take personal leave for the period between 12pm on the 23rd of January and 11.59pm on the 8th of February,” the statement read.
“During this period deputy mayor, Cr Daniela Zinni will assume the mayoral responsibilities.”
Cr McLindon had faced criticism on social media for his decision to contest the election while also representing Whittlesea, with residents questioning why he should be paid his mayoral allowance while focused on the by-election.
He also faced criticism from fellow councillor Lawrie Cox.
As reported by Star Weekly, Cr Cox said precedent suggested Cr McLindon should stand aside to ensure “the interests of the City of Whittlesea are protected”.
“Precedent has shown that prospective candidates do stand aside to ensure there is no conflict of interest,” he said.
Cr McLindon is contesting the by-election on platform of policies he believes will benefit the outer suburbs, including Whittlesea.
They are the four proposed waste to energy plants in outer suburbs – including Wollert – the state government’s Local Government Act reforms, payroll tax and Australia Day.
“I think we have an opportunity to really say Whittlesea is not going to be taken for granted,” he said.
